I’d Skip Every Major Trend In Favor Of These 8 Cool Basics

Not to sound like a broken record, but we need to talk about wardrobe basics. If you’re a regular Who What Wear reader, you already know we report on, discuss, and shop the best closet staples all day long, but pardon me if I bring them up again here. You see, now that I’m fully immersed in my fall wardrobe, I’ve found myself skipping plenty of bigger trends in favor of these more classic pieces.

It’s not just any basics I’m favoring, though. The fresh batch that Fall 2021 is serving up has a little something extra whether that be a boxier fit on a blazer, a pair of slouchy jeans, or retro-inspired sneakers. It’s true that basics tend to be less tied to the whims of the trend cycle than traditional seasonal trends, but the cool fall basics you’re about to see below feel very much of the moment. So much so that they’re really the only items I’m excited to wear right now. Trends, who?

If there’s a single item I can recommend that will up your style game immediately, it’s a boxy blazer. Whether you throw it on top of something casual or polished, it’s the always-looks-good outfit enhancer that makes any wardrobe feel complete. 

I won’t say I’m fully skipping my jeans in favor of leather trousers, but I won’t say I’ve worn jeans as much since acquiring a pair of these cool pants. What can I say, they’re *the* moment.

Versatile, easy, and polished, there’s nothing not to love about these oversized poplin shirts. Buy one in every color if you’re smart.

Welcome to the era of the mini skirt. If the most recent runways were any indication, hemlines are creeping ever higher and micro-mini skirts are quickly becoming the trendy basic to have on lock. Plus, they’re excellent fall layering pieces.

I’ve waxed poetic about the New Balance 550 sneakers before, but beyond the much-hyped pair lie a trove of retro-inspired kicks that are my favorite basic shoes to wear right now.

Knee boots are one of those things that was once a trend but that I now consider to be a full-blown closet staple. 

’90s-inspired shoulder bags are another item that has become a staple in my wardrobe despite once being a trend I dabbled in. They fit everything I need them to and are the perfect addition to any day or nighttime look. The versatility is truly unmatched.

Next up: Let’s Do a Denim Deep Dive: Every 2021 Jeans Trend You Need to Know About